How Long Is a Soccer Game? Match Length Explained

A standard soccer game lasts 90 minutes. It is divided into two 45-minute halves, with a halftime break of up to 15 minutes. Because the referee adds stoppage time for delays, most matches take roughly two hours from kickoff to the final whistle.

How the 90 minutes are divided

Soccer matches begin with a 45-minute first half followed by halftime. The second half lasts another 45 minutes. The clock normally continues running during stoppages such as injuries, substitutions, goal celebrations and time-wasting, rather than stopping like a basketball game clock.

The referee keeps track of lost time and announces stoppage time, also called added time or injury time, at the end of each half. A match may therefore finish after 90 minutes and several additional minutes. The exact amount depends on what happened during that half.

How long is halftime in soccer?

Halftime in a standard soccer match lasts no more than 15 minutes. Players leave the field to rest, receive tactical instructions and make adjustments before the second half begins. The referee controls when the teams return, so the full break can be slightly shorter in some situations.

How long is a soccer game with extra time?

Knockout matches sometimes require a winner. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the teams may play 30 minutes of extra time: two 15-minute periods separated by a short interval. Stoppage time can also be added at the end of each extra-time period.

When the score remains tied after extra time, the winner may be decided by a penalty shootout. A shootout does not have a fixed duration because it ends when one team has an unassailable lead or wins during the sudden-death phase. Penalty kicks determine the result but are not added to the match clock.

How long do youth and amateur soccer games last?

Youth soccer matches are often shorter than professional or senior games. Common formats include two 30-minute halves, two 35-minute halves or other durations set by the competition organizer. Small-sided formats, such as five-a-side, seven-a-side and futsal, also use different match lengths.

Amateur leagues may follow the standard 90-minute format, but local rules can differ. The competition regulations, referee instructions and age group are the best sources for the official playing time.

How much time should spectators allow?

For a regular 90-minute soccer match, allow about two hours for play, halftime and added time. Stadium entry, pre-match ceremonies, security checks and leaving the venue can make the overall event much longer. A knockout match that goes to extra time and penalties may last well beyond two and a half hours.